Thrill to an exhilarating two and a half hour sail across the San Francisco waterfront and under the Golden Gate Bridge aboard the famous 84-foot America's Cup USA76 all-carbon racing yacht. If you wish, you can even take a turn at the helm!

Plus: a four-night stay in a standard guest room at either the San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf or The Stanford Court Renaissance San Francisco Hotel, including daily breakfast; and round-trip coach from any American Airlines destination within the contiguous 48 states or Canada.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6― PUMPKIN SEASON COMING!

Our Pumpkins are arriving at 10 am!

We are getting the whole truck this year so we need all the help we can get unloading. The Youth Commission will be ordering pizza for lunch for all our helpers. So come out to help unload!

The sign-up book for shifts and for unloading is outside the church office. Bret Chandler

USING SKYPE TO REACH ACROSS THE GLOBE:Click
here to read the People Reaching People article about last April's Santa Grégoire ― St. Gregory's Skype meeting!

You will find it on the right hand side of the first page; and then read the rest of their Fall 2012 Newsletter.

After the 70 minute trial, a 15-minute jury (audience) deliberation is led by the judge, who polls the audience twice― before and after the deliberation. The final vote, either 'for the plaintiff' or 'for the defendant' decides the outcome of the trial. A post-show discussion with the audience, playwright, and cast follows the end of the play.

The case is not a simple "he said, she said." There are twists and turns that keep the audience on their toes. A case without a smoking gun, Defamation challenges our assumptions about others and even about the law. The play is suitable for both adults and high school students. Tickets are $5 per person (see me). A light reception will follow.

CHRISTMASBASKETS!

Sign-up sheets are available on the hallway table. This year's Basket program has 200 more registrations than last year. St Gregory's has been assigned 30 families and 10 seniors. Our deadline for finding sponsors is Oct 22.

When you sponsor a family, you will be given the family's names, genders, ages, clothing sizes, and their wishes for gifts. You will also get guidelines, a checklist and sample labels for putting together your basket.

We are asked to spend at least $15 per family member for Christmas Dinner― so if you have a family of four, please purchase a single Jewel gift card for at least $60: 4 x $15.

We are also asked to spend at least $25-$45 per family member on gifts.

ST. GREGORY'S NAMETAGS: Would you like your very own free pin-clasp nametags to wear to church or church events? We're placing an order soon. Please call the Parish Office at 847-945-1678.

ANNOUNCING THE 4TH ANNUAL DEERFIELD HIGH SCHOOL RUMMAGE SALE

We will collect items for the sale onFriday, Oct 5. Drop off any items that are clean and in workable order after school from 4-8 PM at the cafeteria entrance. We will provide receipts for your donation for tax purposes.

The Rummage Sale itself runs from 8-5 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 6-8, with a $5 bag sale on left over items 3-5 PM on Monday. Profits benefit the homeless; leftover items given to area charities serving the poor.

MAJORING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE OR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION?

Parishioner Greg Jackson is working with a Chicago area state representative and looking for two bilingual (Spanish/English) individuals.

These positions would come with a $125.00 per month stipend leading to full-time salaried staff positions with benefits.

The openings are immediate and full-time employment is possible within three months.

Please contact Greg at 309-472-7640 or public_policy@consultant.com.

GET READY FOR ANOTHER DIALOGUE SERMON! OCTOBER 7, ALL PRACTICES

Genesis 2:18-24:

The LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Mark 10:2-16:

Some Pharisees came, and to test Jesus they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her." But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

For each passage ask yourself these questions, and bring your answers to worship on October 7:

1. If I wrote this passage as an article for a newspaper, what would my headline be?

September 18, 2012

Join the lively discussion about the EASEL-R (Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal) Team Report to the Vestry about our findings from last winter's Spiritual Life Survey, and where we are in the continuum from Exploring Christ, Growing in Christ, and Close to Christ, to Christ-Centered.

And a related word from Sue Koy, our Parish Librarian:

Intrigued by the EASEL-R discussion at the Adult Forum? The Sally Craig Memorial Library has the binder of information on display; stop in and peruse it. Please use the binder in the library so that others will be able to see it also.

The library also has several copies of Follow Me and Move, the two books used by the EASEL-R Team, which may be checked out. These materials may answer any questions you have, or suggest questions to ask at the next several adult forums!

TWO EVENTS THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, NOON TO 4 PM:

1. CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH COMMUNITY MEAL (SOUP KITCHEN

This is an important way that we are able to reach out to those who are less fortunate. We meet at 12 noon to prepare the food which is served at 2pm. After the meal, we clean up and are done by 4pm.

Please sign up on the hallway table outside the office and join us. We are also looking for desserts and there is a sign up for those too. Some people are not able to join us but would still like to support this program and do so by donating desserts.

Thank you, Barb Schaper, Bill and Jane Foltz

2. 37TH ANNUAL DEERFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY FALL FESTIVAL

History, food and fun are the highlights of the Deerfield Historical Society's Fall Festival, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Deerfield Historic Village, 517 Deerfield Road, Deerfield.

The family friendly free event is the major fundraiser for the Deerfield Historic Village, and features a cookie contest judged by celebrity chef Gale Gand, food, live entertainment, heritage craft demonstrations, historic building tours and a classic car show.

Activities for kids include traditional games, face painting, and visiting a one-room schoolhouse.

Visitors are invited to explore five buildings of historic interest including Lake County's oldest building, the Caspar Ott log house, celebrating its 175th anniversary this year.

Admission is free. All profits from the Fall Festival help restore the buildings in the Deerfield Historic Village. For more information call 847-948-0680 or click here.

Acolyte Training for all acolytes will be on September 30 from 4-5:30 p.m.

For new acolytes this will be a time for them to practice and learn how to be an acolyte. For all other acolytes this will be a refresher.

After the training we will have pizza together in Founders Hall. Bret Chandler

2012 ST. GREGORY'S PRESCHOOL RAFFLE!

As of right now, Tuesday afternoon, we have sold 224 tickets, which means we only need about 59 people to buy three tickets each at the low low price of $125― $25 off!—and we will be out of tickets!

And if you previously bought a single raffle ticket, you can get two more for only $75― just show your first one!

This week we're highlighting one of the three Second Drawing Prizes:

Four (4) BMO Harris Club tickets (includes access to the BMO Harris club for 4 people), 1 VIP parking pass and access to the all-inclusive food and beverage offerings provided by Levy Restaurants. Also included is a scoreboard message and an on the floor pre-game photo opportunity (Bulls only) for your group. A BigThank You to Curtis Baddeley for this donation to our Raffle.

And thanks to Ed Collins for getting our Preschool Raffle on the Deerfield Patch. To see it, click here.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6― PUMPKIN SEASON COMING!

Our Pumpkins are arriving at 10 am!

We are getting the whole truck this year so we need all the help we can get unloading.

The Youth Commission will be ordering pizza for lunch for all our helpers. So come out to help unload!

The sign-up book for shifts and for unloading is outside the church office.

Bret Chandler

SANTA GRÉGOIRE HAS A NEW STEEPLE

Our Companion Parish in Madagascar has a new steeple thanks to us through our Parish Tithe and Missions Board.

After the 70 minute trial, a 15-minute jury (audience) deliberation is led by the judge, who polls the audience twice― before and after the deliberation. The final vote, either 'for the plaintiff' or 'for the defendant' decides the outcome of the trial. A post-show discussion with the audience, playwright, and cast follows the end of the play.

The case is not a simple "he said, she said." There are twists and turns that keep the audience on their toes. A case without a smoking gun, Defamation challenges our assumptions about others and even about the law. The play is suitable for both adults and high school students. Tickets are $5 per person (see me). A light reception will follow.

CONGRATULATIONS CORNER

Teresa, Greg, and Kennedy Benish welcome the arrival of Hudson Ryan Benish on September 12.

Ida Butler is the new Executive Director of the Greater Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is home to the Taste of Lincolnshire and many other programs, events and services representing the interests of Lincolnshire area businesses. For information on the Chamber and how it can support your business, contact Ida at executive.director@lincolnshirechamber.org or 847-793-2409. Or stop by the Chamber office on the lower level of the Bank Financial building at One Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, or visit http://lincolnshirechamber.org.

YOUTH GROUP RETREAT

Last Saturday St. Gregory's Youth Group went to Camp Duncan for an overnight retreat. We had a great time in nature doing activities, having fun, and in worship.

The day was spent hiking, wall climbing, boating, and with archery.

In the evening we grilled out together and played some fun volleyball games before we closed at the night with a campfire, some reflection, and group fellowship.

On Sunday morning we had an outside worship service before taking a morning hike. It was wonderful retreat together and a great first joint YG!

Thanks to our leaders Bill Foltz (who took the photographs), Barb Schaper, Judy McCann, and Mike Hamilton for helping out with the driving. Bret Chandler

﻿

ST. GREGORY'S NAMETAGS: Would you like your very own free pin-clasp nametags to wear to church or church events? We will place an order at the end of September. Please call the Parish Office at 847-945-1678.

September 12, 2012

What a wonderful Sunday! From the Blessing of the Backpacks, the Return of Our Choir, the Presentation of the Youth Group Summer Mission, Jim Collins' Twentieth Anniversary, to the Week of Hope Finale, it was a joyous and busy Lord's Day!

Among our visitors were the adult children of new parishioners, and one of them said "I think the word that describes your parish is CELEBRATORY!

And Monday night I visited one of our newest families, and they told me how WELCOMING they found St. Gregory's.

You can't do better than CELEBRATORY and WELCOMING when describing a parish, so well done us, sisters and brothers in Christ!

Hello everyone, my name is Ashley Benson. I really enjoyed the mission trip to St. Louis this year. As a freshman it's my first year eligible to go on the trip and my first year really getting to know the other highschoolers in the youth group.

Now over the week we were there I grew more individually and was able to create my own definition of "who God is to me"; rather than someone else's definition that I've adopted to be my own. As a group we would come together each night and reflect on the day's events and where we saw God working in the community. I personally thought it was interesting to hear the different ways people saw God and also understand as a group what it means to see God in the community. Because when I heard it at the beginning of the week I was confused as to what it meant, but by the end it became a little bit easier to see "his" presence in St. Louis and how he influenced their lives every day.

Although I went there to give back to the community of St. Louis and do God's work, I also made some incredible friends there, whom I've still kept in touch with. It was funny because we were the only church there not from Minnesota. One was from Mankato and they had over 40 people in their group, while the other only had 5. When we were there I learned how to play two different games, one of them was called Fluxx and the other was called Signs. Fluxx was how I met my friends and signs helped me get to know the church from Mankato better considering that was there favorite game to play(like these guys were pros at it). It would take too long to explain them so I'm going to move on.

Our leaders were awesome. One of them reminds us all of Erica! From the way she talked to her shoes they were alike. Half-way through the week whenever we were talking about her we didn't call her by her real name, Celeste, we called her Erica. She was really fun and insightful as well. Josh was the one who introduced me to Fluxx, so I just have fond memories of playing that game with him, my friend Alexis, and Jeremy, but he also played the guitar when we sang songs. Megan was fun she mostly was the leader in the kitchen, but Dee or D'Angelo was as well. She was just fun to be around and overall really nice.

Now as I conclude I must talk about camp Quarryledge, because that place was fun. I mostly enjoyed using the wheelchair there because it was interesting feeling like I needed it, but mostly it was just because I liked rolling around in it. What was not fun is that certain people would run up behind you and roll you really fast in a random direction. And your there screaming cause you're like what the heck is going on! Anyway they set-up the volleyball net, I played basketball, Bret made a fire in the fire pit, and we just all had a good time.

I had an amazing time on my first mission trip and look forward to the adventure trip and the next mission trip! J

This was my [Ashley Babcock's] last mission trip as a youth group member. The group of people, the urban environment, the work we did, and the fact that it was the end of my St. Gregory's mission trip experience (unless I go as an adult leader at some point) made this trip a very different experience for me than the previous ones. But the fundamental aspects of the trip were the same: we were there to serve, to learn about ourselves, and to become closer as a group. And of course we had the long car ride, though unfortunately it was merely 5 or 6 hours this year.

For the first two days, my work group went to Campus Kitchen, which is a program run by St. Louis University students. Trader Joe's donates food that is past the sell-by date but is still good and safe to eat, and Campus Kitchen takes the food and makes meals and delivers them to people in need. I especially enjoyed this because we were helping people and the environment at the same time, since otherwise that perfectly good food would have gone to waste. When we delivered the food to an apartment building across the street, some of the people were so grateful and happy to see us. Others merely reached around the door because they were so ashamed that they needed this service. Many of the people, maybe even the majority, did not even answer their doors. Instead, they snuck down to the lobby to pick up their meal when no one would notice. That was pretty eye-opening. A reason why I think these trips are so important is that it's so much more meaningful to help people personally as opposed to just donating money or things to them. Perhaps if the people who didn't answer their doors were to get to know the Campus Kitchen workers on a more personal level, they would feel more comfortable accepting help from them.

On all the mission trips I've been on, I feel that most of the people we are serving have felt that we actually care about them because we have taken the time and money to physically be there serving them.

The biggest challenge I had on the trip was when my work group went to a nursing home on the last day. In the special care unit, I met a woman named Eve who had Alzheimer's or some form of dementia. The same week of the trip, my mom was in Idaho helping my Grandma move to an assisted living facility because she also has Alzheimer's. Eve was saying some of the same things my Grandma had been saying before moving. Eve was talking about the city in which she used to live, and she said, "That city was my home. And then they put me in this crazy place, and now I don't know what I'm going to do." It was so sad that I cried. But luckily my Grandma actually really likes the place she lives now. I hope that Eve will come to like where she lives now, too.

My favorite part of the trip would probably be the foot washing. This was also my favorite part of the West Virginia trip, which was my first mission trip, so it was a great way to end my last mission trip. The foot-washing is such a powerful, humbling gesture, and everyone in the group feels so close during it. Everyone was crying and hugging each other. During moments like these, every person in our youth group loves each other and feels a connection with each other just because we're all members of St. Gregory's youth group. It was a lot like in West Virginia, even though we had a completely different group of kids and adult leaders. I think the foot washing represents everything that the mission trips are about: we're there to serve others, which the adult leaders symbolize by washing our feet, we're there to become closer together as a group, and we're there to be with God. During all my mission trips, I've definitely felt some sort of spiritual force. I'm not sure if it's God or if it's something else, but it's something. I really believe there is just something about spending a week with this group that causes me to feel differently than I do the rest of the year. I can't really put it all into words, which might be a problem since I'm writing my college essay about the trips…So I really encourage anyone who hasn't gone to go. It really is a life-changing experience.

SEPTEMBER 16, 23, 30 and OCTOBER 7― SPIRITUAL LIFE SURVEY RESULTS

Beginning this Sunday at the Adult Forum during the Christian Education Hour after the Nine O'Clock Practice, I will be presenting the findings from St. Gregory's Spiritual Life Survey, and where we are in the continuum from Exploring Christ, Growing in Christ, and Close to Christ, to those who are Christ-Centered. Join us, please!

SEPTEMBER 23― CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH COMMUNITY MEAL (SOUP KITCHEN)

Sunday, September 23rd will once again be our turn to serve at the Soup Kitchen in Waukegan. This is an important way that we are able to reach out to those who are less fortunate. We meet at 12 noon to prepare the food which is served at 2pm. After the meal, we clean up and are done by 4pm. Please sign up on the hallway table outside the office and join us. We are also looking for desserts and there is a sign up for those too. Some people are not able to join us but would still like to support this program and do so by donating desserts. Thank you, Barb Schaper, Bill and Jane Foltz

SEPTEMBER 30― ACOLYTE TRAINING

Acolyte Training for all acolytes will be on September 30 from 4-5:30 p.m. For new acolytes this will be a time for them to practice and learn how to be an acolyte. For all other acolytes this will be a refresher. After the training we will have pizza together in Founders Hall. Bret Chandler

PUMPKIN SEASON COMING!

On October 6 our Pumpkins arriving at 10 am! We are getting the whole truck this year so we need all the help we can get unloading. The Youth Commission will be ordering pizza for lunch for all our helpers. So come out to help unload! The sign-up book for shifts and for unloading is outside the church office. Bret Chandler

A courtroom drama and the audience is the jury! More information next week!

THE WEEK OF HOPE

Shirley Traettino did an incredible job leading our Week of Hope "Supporting our Seniors" project along with others churches and synagogues who comprise the Southeast Lake County Interreligious Council [SEL-CIRCL]. And I am grateful to our event photographer, Bob Traettino.

Shirley writes: I am so very grateful for everyone who supported the Week of Hope. Let me tell you what has been accomplished: Pete Loughran (a dear friend) volunteered to tackle the carpentry required to fix Dennis and Helen Lietz' front steps. He re-laid a portion of the brick sidewalk, moved the wood staircase back onto its concrete support, and reinforced the entire staircase. He also repaired two gates and utilized scrap lumber keeping our material costs reasonable. Joe Frumentino (a dear friend and member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church) removed wallpaper and re-plastered the Lietz' powder room and patched the living room ceiling.

Yvonne and Butler Sharpe tackled the Lietz' front yard and then prepped their living room for painting. Butler and I painted the living room. Yvonne also made a great poster for Week of Hope. Dorthea White, Judy McCann, and Meredith Potter did yard work, including mulching, at Sylvan Hallet's house. Meredith and Sybil and Lyle Ten Eyck painted Don and Phoebe Caldwell's family room. Diane Garber (from B'nai Tikvah) joined me in painting the Lietz' powder room, and Ingrid and Bill Roberts and I worked on their side and back yards. Again, my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you!

Here are some of Bob's pictures:

2012 ST. GREGORY'S PRESCHOOL RAFFLE!

As of right now, Wednesday morning, we have sold 188 tickets, which means we only need about 70 people to buy three tickets each at the low low price of $125― $25 off!—and we will be out of tickets!

And if you previously bought a single raffle ticket, you can get two more for only $75― just show your first one!

This week we're highlighting one of the three Grand Prizes for 2: Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Package

Value: $7,960: Enjoy a one-day class for designed for everyone from beginners to professional which combines a 3-hour demonstration and a 3-hour hands-on practical workshop. Plus: Private History and Facilities Tour, Bistro @ Signatures Dinner with Wine Pairings for and Meet and Greet with Executive Chef Yannick Anton, Three-Night Stay including daily breakfast for at this 4-Star Luxury Hotel in the heart of Ottawa, and Round-Trip coach from any American Airlines destination in the contiguous 48 states.

Here's the right-hand column headline of Thursday's The New York Times:

STUDY DISCOVERS ROAD MAP OF DNA

A KEY TO BIOLOGY

―

LARGE FEDERAL PROJECT

―

GENETIC SWITCHES OFFER VITAL CLUE

TO HOW DISEASE BEGINS

By Gina Kolata

"Among the many mysteries of human biology is why complex diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and psychiatric disorders are so difficult to predict and, often, to treat. An equally perplexing puzzle is why one individual gets a disease like cancer or depression, while an identical twin remains perfectly healthy.

"Now scientists have discovered a vital clue to unraveling these riddles. The human genome is packed with at least four million gene switches that reside in bits of DNA that once were dismissed as 'junk' but that turn out to play critical roles in controlling how cells, organs and other tissues behave. . . .

". . . They can also help explain how the environment can affect disease risk. In the case of identical twins, small changes in environmental exposure can slightly alter gene switches, with the result that one twin gets a disease and the other does not.

"As scientists delved into the 'junk' . . . they discovered a complex system that controls genes. . . . It includes the system of switches that, acting like dimmer switches for lights, control which genes are used in a cell and when they are used, and determine, for instance, whether a cell becomes a liver cell or a neuron."

In other words, what scientists once called "junk" DNA turns out to be essential DNA!

Now please turn to our reading from James (2:1-10, 14-17):

"My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a ['junk'] person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Have a seat here, please," while to the one who is ['junk'] you say, "Stand there," or, "Sit at my feet," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Remember that word "judges" as we continue: "Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the ['junk'] in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?"

In what ways has God chosen the "junk" in the world?

First of all, as far as the Jewish people were concerned, they were the original "junk" whom God had chosen. Listen to Deuteronomy 4:37-38: And because [God] loved your ancestors, [God] chose their descendants after them. [God] brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, giving you their land for a possession, as it is still today."

And again Deuteronomy 7:7-8a: "It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you— for you were the fewest of all peoples. It was because the Lord loved you. . . ."

And in their turn, listen to what Paul wrote to some of the first Christians in Corinth: "Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world" (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)― in other words, God chose what was "junk" in the world.

We continue with our reading from James: "But you have dishonored the ["junk"]. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you show partiality,― remember that word― you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors."

James condemns "partiality" and "acts of favoritism" because they do not reflect the God who chooses "junk":

In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke tells us that after the resurrection Peter is sent to a Gentile centurion called Cornelius and his soldiers: "Then Peter began to speak to them: 'I truly understand that God shows no partiality'" (10:34).

And to the Romans Paul writes: "For God shows no partiality" (2:11).

And listen to this passage from Ephesians: ". . . masters, . . . Stop threatening [your slaves], for you know that both of you have the same Master in heaven, and with him there is no partiality" (6:9).

"You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the ["junk"] or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord" (15-18).

Now let's turn to this morning's Gospel (Mark 7:24-37):

"Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre." (Tyre is modern-day Lebanon, and the contemporary Jewish historian Josephus called the people Tyre "our bitterest enemies.") "[Jesus] entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs."

As far as the Jews were concerned, they were "the children of God," and Gentiles were "dogs." In other words, Jesus was telling the Syrophoenician woman that she and her daughter were "junk." But she was determined, and "she answered him, 'Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.'" In that encounter Jesus fully realizes that no one is "junk," and in his very next encounter with another Gentile, a deaf man with a speech impediment, Jesus heals without hesitation, because Jesus knows that no one is "junk."

When the people saw what Jesus had done, they said "He has done everything well." And what the people say about Jesus in the Greek New Testament― "He has done (poieo) everything (panta) well (kala)"― echoes what the Greek Old Testament book of Genesis says about God on the sixth day of creation― "God saw everything (panta) that he had done (poieo), and behold it was very good (kala)."

And so we have come full cycle, for from the beginning of creation, whether we're talking DNA, or the poor, or you and me, God doesn't make "junk!"

September 04, 2012

Before the Nine O'Clock Practice and Children's Church, students and teachers are invited to place their backpacks and briefcases against the Altar in a colorful display for the Blessing of the Backpacks during announcements.

As the Nine O'Clock Service beginsin the Church, Children's Church begins down the hallway in the Christian Education Wing:

For those of you who are newcomers, Children's Church is designed for children ages 3-8.

It follows the format of the first part of our regular church service, the "Word of God," and includes a short sermon for children taken from each week's Gospel, and prayers of the people in which the children offer their own prayers.

Children who can read take turns acting as leader and also read the Bible lesson. Children return to Church for the Holy Eucharist with their parents.

Children ages 7-9 who would like to serve in Children's Church as leaders and/or readers should contact Sharon Henley-Gramer, Annette Baez, or LoriLee Bielski and sign up on the sheet which is posted outside the door to Atrium I (the room where Children's Church is held.

After receiving Holy Communion Atrium I students only (3-5 year olds and kindergarteners) go to the first floor Atrium with their teachers Sharon Henley-Gramer, Paula Hamilton, and Cyndi Millspaugh.

After the Nine O'Clock Service, Church School resumes for children of all ages.

First, Second, and Third Graders will follow their teachers Shari Benson, Jean Cummings, Julie Ann Ariano, and Anne Neumann to the second floor Atrium.

Fourth and Fifth Graders will follow their teachers Gretchen Bayer, Janet Foltz, and Caroline DiNardo to the second floor.

Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Graders would normally follow their teachers Andrea Bozzano and Dan Best to the second floor Upper Room, but on this Sunday they will be going to the . . .

Youth Minister Bret Chandler will lead a multi-media extravaganza on this summer's Youth Mission Trip; and we will celebrate our Director of Music Ministries Jim Collins' 20th Anniversary, feasting on a special cake for Coffee Hour. Please congratulate Jim and join us!

And later in the day our Regular Youth Group meetings resume in the Upper Room:

Middle School 5:00 - 6:15 pm

High School 6:30 - 7:45 pm

Joint Youth Group on the first Sunday of each month beginning October 7, from 5:00 - 6:30 pm with dinner.

2012 ST. GREGORY'S PRESCHOOL RAFFLE!

As I write this Newsletter
St. Gregory's Preschool's Tuesday students are attending opening day of our SEVENTH academic year "Where Little Learners are Big Thinkers™."

And that's what this raffle is all about, supporting our Preschool and maybe winning SOMETHING AMAZING!

But as of right now, Tuesday afternoon, we have sold 144 tickets, which means we only need about 85 people to buy three tickets each at the low price of $125― $25 off!—and we will be out of tickets! So get them while you can!

Imagine and Dream― The Grand Prize winner of the Raffle may choose among three Grand Prizes:

1. America's Cup Yacht
Sailing Experience in San Francisco Bay with 4-Night Stay and Airfare for 2, OR

2. A Two-Night Stay Over the Lake in the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Experience

3. An Evening Over the Expressway at the United Center for a Chicago Bulls/Blackhawk Experience

The prizes range in value from almost $8000 to well over $500 in adventure and fun!

And we hope to culminate our Raffle in conjunction with the return to St. Gregory's of the Chicago Chamber Choir in a special Halloween concert― Bewitched: More Music for the Dead of Night― on Sunday, October 28 with a Pre-Concert Wine Reception at 6:15 pm and an 8:30 pm Dessert Reception and the Raffle Drawing. Although you do not need to be at the Concert to win, why would you want to miss such a fun event, with the singers and many concert-goers dressed in Halloween Costumes?!

SEPTEMBER 2-9, 2012― THE WEEK OF HOPE

Thank you for those who have signed up online― it's not too late to join in:

Sign up on the bulletin board opposite the Parish Office, OR Sign up using VolunteerSpot.com in three easy steps:

Acolyte Training for all acolytes will be on September 30 from 4-5:30 p.m. For new acolytes this will be a time for them to practice and learn how to be an acolyte. For all other acolytes this will be a refresher. After the training we will have pizza together in Founders Hall. Bret Chandler

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SEXTON, CAROLYN "CASEY" KREMER

Casey writes: "My life has been a series of opportunities that when presented, I think: 'hmm, why not?'

"In 1985, when I was just starting to play golf, one of my friends suggested that I join a golf league. Although I lived in the city, they suggested the Deerfield Women's Golf League: 'hmm, why not?' There I met Pat Auch, and I couldn't have found a better or more loyal friend. One of my favorite memories, and I have many of Pat, is this: There had always been a separate Golf Championship for Women, but that year the Management decided to let women play during the Championship Weekend. It was very difficult for me to sign up for the Deerfield Club Championship because many were unhappy with the break from tradition. As a result, I played mostly by myself. Image my delight when I was walking down the 18th fairway and there were Pat and Fred Auch on the fringe cheering me on.

"One year as president of the Deerfield Women's Golf League, I was calling for a board meeting and one of the members said she couldn't come because she curls on Tuesday morning. Curling, that obscure Olympic sport with rocks and brooms: "hmm, why not?" And it was there that I met another great friend, Bev Laurell.

"I have lived in Chicago since graduating from Knox College and because I golf at Deerfield and curl at the Chicago Curling Club in Northbrook, I have always felt that I was spending my life on the Edens Expressway. So when Bev suggested that I apply for the Sexton job at St. Gregory's, you know what my answer would be: "hmm, why not?"

"Another example of keeping myself open to opportunities: at the end of one curling season, I was chatting with a member who happened to remark that she was an Usher for the Chicago Cubs. When she asked if I might be interested in working at Wrigley Field this time my answer was: "Of course, YES!! Go Cubs!

September 02, 2012

+ In the Love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let's start with James' letter. He writes, "Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth"― perhaps the most feminine image of God in the Bible― "he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures."

And because we have been given birth "by the word of truth," James tells us that, "You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls."

When I was at St. Bartholomew's in Manhattan there was a parishioner named Sinclair who was part of the old guard at St. Bart's. It used to be said that if you had a box at the Metropolitan Opera and a pew at St. Bart's, you were at the top of society. St. Bart's was the last church in Christendom to have pew rents— and they were only abolished in 1978 when Tom Bowers became the Rector. Tom also brought a new contemporary service, and began feeding the poor and sheltering the homeless under the gold-leaf domes in the church's narthex. Tom threw open the doors of St. Bart's to everyone.

Sinclair was the leader of a small group that opposed these changes. As ushers, they would discourage visitors from worshiping at St. Bart's, and suggest another church! When New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission opposed St. Bart's plan to build an office tower on its property, Sinclair led the battle against the church, using tactics that drove up the costs of the litigation, and making malicious personal attacks on Tom. At parish meetings, he would present himself as a frail underdog, and then go out to play a vigorous game of tennis! He was a scoundrel in every way.

One day there was a hearing before the Landmarks Commission, and as I was waiting on the steps of the building to go into it, Sinclair came up to me and held out his hand to shake mine. I told him, "You are trying to ruin the church! I will never shake your hand!"

So much for quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger!

At lunch, I regaled Tom and other staff members with my triumph over Sinclair.

But later, I remembered one of those implanted words of truth that has the power to save our souls: In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus says, "So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (5:23-24).

I realized I had no choice but to call Sinclair and apologize, which I did that afternoon.

There's an old saying that "If you're not prepared not to do something, you will do it." And both of our readings this morning can help prepare us not to be quick to speak and quick to anger.

First, let's continue with James: "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like."

In the ancient world, Greek and Roman philosophers made looking into a mirror at one's physical reflection into a metaphor about moral reflection and self-improvement. James dismisses this idea because too many people immediately forget what they see.

Instead, James tells us, "Don't look at yourself at all!"― rather, "look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere"― in other words, keep on looking, because the only way we can become doers of the implanted word of truth is by letting it transform us from the inside out, rather than try to change ourselves from the outside in!"

And that realization― that we must let ourselves be transformed from the inside out, rather than try to change ourselves from the outside in― is also the message in this morning's Gospel.

About a third of the way down we read ". . . So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, 'Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?'"

At the heart of Judaism is the distinction between what is clean and unclean, between what is pure and impure, and in what the Pharisees call "the tradition of the elders" there is a section called Tohorot― the Hebrew word for "Purities," which lists all the things that are clean and unclean.

In response, Jesus says, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."

For the Pharisees, purity is a matter of outward washing; for Jesus, purity is a matter of the human heart.

And that's why we begin our Sunday practices with the prayer whose formal name is "The Collect for Purity." So take a look at the prayer while I read it, keeping in mind Mark's Gospel:

"Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration"― the in-breathing― "of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

This morning's readings have given us two strategies for spiritual growth― that is to say two strategies for growing in our love of God and of our love neighbor― two strategies for letting God transform us from the inside out:

First, to take more time welcomingthe implanted word of truth which is able to save our souls― in other words, to spend more time reading the Bible; and second, welcoming the Holy Spirit to cleanse the thoughts of our hearts more times than just once a week on Sundays.

As it happens, this morning's Collect of the Day is the essence of James' letter set to prayer, and another way in which we can welcome the giver of all good things to transform us from the inside out. So let us stand and thoughtfully pray this Collect together:

"Lord of all power and might,

the author and giver of all good things:

Graft in our hearts the love of your Name;

increase in us true religion;

nourish us with all goodness;

and bring forth in us the fruit of good works;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

September 01, 2012

In Sunday's reading from Mark's Gospel, Jesus lists in 7:22 some of the evil things that come from the human heart. One of these things is "envy," whose literal translation from the Greek  is "evil eye."

In Matthew's Gospel, 6:22-23, Jesus says, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy [single, simple, pure], your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy,"― literally "evil" ― your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"

The evil eye is often connected with envy, greed, and stinginess.

When I wondered whether there might be a "benevolent eye," I got this message from Wordnik: "'benevolent eye' has been looked up 1 time (you're the very first!), and is not a valid Scrabble word."

It should be a valid Christian word!

There is a book about "God's loving care" titled The Benevolent Eye by Lois Kilgore.